Quilters' creative ideas highlight WWI theme

February 21, 2018

ALLENWOOD - Bi-annually, members of the Susquehanna Valley Quilt Guild prepare to display their artistry at a show open for public viewing and judged on people's choice. As 2018 notes the Centennial of WWI, it is evident the quilters have let their creative juices flow.

Several members opted to honor their ancestors. Patti Winters of Williamsport, granddaughter of D. Herman Baylor, a WWI veteran late of Muncy Township, was one of four brothers from Mausdale who served. "He was the youngest of the four and fudged his age to get in," Winter's said of her quilt with adhered photos.

In addition, Winters acquired several samplings of 'tobacco silks' she sewed together for display. During WWI, the Red Cross sought tobacco products to include in cloth bags with other amenities sent to soldiers. The organization wrote the following: "Whatever may be our prejudice as to tobacco and the tobacco habit, the 'boys' crave cigarettes and the soothing weed; so we yield our opinion to the urgent demand."

Article Photos

CAROL SHETLER/The LuminaryGetting fabric ready and other items for sale at the Quilters Corner for their upcoming quilt show are Susquehanna Valley Quilt Guild (SVQG) members (left-right): Nancy Foresman of Muncy, Darlene Waldman of Pennsdale and SVQG president, Cindy Campbell.

CAROL SHETLER/The LuminaryPatti Winters, granddaughter of the late WWI Army veteran D. Herman Baylor of Muncy Township, made a quilt similar to this one with silk pieces that were free with purchases of tobacco products in the early 1900s. It will be on display in the upcoming SVQG show on March 2 and 3 in Allenwood.

Patti Winters from the Susquehanna Valley Quilt Guild

A reference on the subject was located under "Red Cross News and Notes," printed in the Dec. 14, 1917 edition of the 'Record & Star," in Watsontown, PA. The article stated the following regarding cigarettes in a quote by Charles Kingsley: "For when all things were made, none was made better than tobacco - to be a lone man's companion, a bachelor's friend, a hungry man's food, a sad man's cordial, a wakeful man's sleep and a chilly man's fire."

Tobacco companies were wise to include the silks in packaging their product, for women would be less disapproving when receiving something free.

The show is sure to uncover much about the WWI era. It should be no surprise that retired librarian, Kay Rhinehart of Pennsdale, took her inspiration from a book titled "The Poppy Lady." A piece by show chair Cindy Craddock of Muncy, will include verses of the poem "Flanders Field." The former are among 40 items, both new and vintage, harkening show-goers back to a century ago, and what was to be "the war to end all wars."

Of the 150 quilts in other sections of the show, vibrant colored fabric demonstrating appliqu, embroidery and piece work, are sure to be conversation starters.

Also available at the show will be vendors, items for sale at Quilters Corner, a raffle quilt and lunch on site.

The door prize, a Bernina sewing machine, is supplied by SVQG and Hoovers of Mifflinburg.

Individuals with proof of veteran's status will receive a dollar off admittance.

Dates for the SVQG show are Friday, March 2, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Saturday, March 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Note the new location just off Route 15 at Allenwood, in the social hall of the Warrior Run Fire Dept. along 1st Street. Watch for signs.